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A new name and menu sparks new energy for local eatery

By Erny Zah The Daily Times

Updated:
02/04/2014 07:02:41 PM MST

Chamber of Commerce members Margie Williams, left, and Kim Lien, right, look over the Firehouse Java Cuisine menu on Tuesday during a ribbon cutting at the remodeled business on College Boulevard in Farmington. (Megan Farmer / The Daily Times)

FARMINGTON — Red was the color to wear Tuesday, as a business celebrated a recent makeover and a new name.

In the lobby painted in red, the Fire House Java and Cuisine started the lunch hour with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Farmington Chamber of Commerce Redcoats looked on in support.

Fire House Java and Cuisine, located at 5150 College Blvd. Suite 206, was formerly Coffee House Deli.

"We have a new name to create a new energy," said Marianne Harmon, one of the owners of the revamped coffee house and restaurant.

But the menu has been updated to include more items, Harmon said, including a larger breakfast menu, beer and wine, and award winning chili served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Chamber of Commerce members socialize on Tuesday at the Firehouse Java Cuisine ribbon cutting ceremony on College Boulevard in Farmington. (Megan Farmer / The Daily Times)

The chili is a creation of Chef Kipp Rix, a local firefighter and chef who has published two cookbooks.

Some of the new additions also includes a tribute to local firefighters. A large picture of a fire fighter holding an axe while facing a fire nearly covers an entire wall.

Harmon said she has plans to have a wall dedicated to firefighters complete with some donated items from local firefighters.

Dishes at the eatery run between $2 for a muffin and up to $10 for some of the dinner items.

"We want more of a different feel than what's available in Farmington," Harmon said.

The establishment is split between a restaurant and sitting area and a front area with a counter where customers can place orders for take out or dine in.

Harmon asked customers, "Are you eating here or to go?"

The restaurant side of the business has couches in the corners, but also has dining tables and booths.

"We can seat up to 80 people," Harmon said.

Chelle Durbin, president of the Redcoats, said she supports the business' new direction.

"I know how hard it is to start a new company. Any support given to a new business is wonderful," Durbin said.

She added the food and coffee service is needed on the that side of Farmington.

Chamber of Commerce members socialize on Tuesday at the Firehouse Java Cuisine ribbon cutting ceremony on College Boulevard in Farmington. (Megan Farmer /The Daily Times)

"There's a need for something like this on this side of town," she added.

Yvonne Vigil, 52, of Bloomfield, stopped in to order some lunch and said she enjoyed the experience.

Vigil entered the restaurant with four others and was seated at a table.

"The peach-ade is very yummy," she said.

Vigil said this was her first visit to the remade business.

"It's real comfy. I just like this little coffeehouse," she said.

Erny Zah is The Daily Times business editor. He can be reached at 505-564-4638.and ezah@daily-times.com.